Yeah I'm sure there's so many places the writers want to go with Spike but the network heads at the HUB won't approve. Judging from Daniel Ingram's panel at Trotcon 2013 there's a lot of red tape the HUB makes the pony staff go through. They're very particular about what they want put in their shows.

I've always loved that moment in the show- of Spike holding his tiny hand to the monster's print below. And you know, after watching Secret of My Excess, I was a little flustered that there were so many questions still (turns out Spike was, too, b/c his next episode was his journey of self discovery). Not so, now. I actually like how we're left with those thoughts, because Spike is, too, and all he knows is that dragons are monsters. I hope this is challenged in season 4. Sorry, great picture lol

The visual texture in this piece is very well done. The grass, the broken bits of woods, and the footprint look so rough, they almost have a jagged sense about them. Spike stands out so well, not only for being in the center but also for his purple hue. You also don't have to see his face to know his expression or what he may be thinking; his body language speaks quite clearly, which is fantastic!

From what we've seen in "Secret of my Excess", I think Spike has a very good idea of what he might become if he doesn't keep himself in check. He literally has his footprints to show him what happened. Thankfully, though, he doesn't have to face the challenges of growing up alone. With Twilight, Rarity, and his caring friends, he has the chance to set an example and show that dragons don't have to be greedy brutes who hoard everything that isn't nailed down. In fact, Spike has already shown a little of his own developed identity in "Dragon Quest" when he refused to smash that phoenix egg just to fit in with a group of thuggish dragons. He doesn't have to be the dragon who left that print; he has the choice of who he wants to be.

Our footsteps can remind us where we have been, showing us all the right and wrong turns we've made. When it comes down to it, though, we have the choice of where those footsteps fall. You did a great job with creating this footprint, as well as Spike's expression to it. Thank you.

Aww, poor Spike. He looked so guilty when he saw the print left by his hand from the bridge... Your drawing is sad and beautiful. It makes me want to jump into the footprint and just give him a big hug.

Aww don't you fret Sikey-wikey! Ponyville will rebuild. Probably with lots of construction and huge new cottage-style building developments. :nudgenudge:

You've really conveyed the mix of emotions I sort of wish the episode gave Spike more time to dwell on, which we only got to see for literally five seconds (Who knows maybe this will come up again.). Very nice work!